Who Should Attend?
For those who serve in either the multi-employer or the public sector, ATMS offers:
- A deeper understanding of the critical issues facing benefit trust funds
- Firsthand knowledge shared by leading consultants and practitioners
- Interactive sessions that encourage you to bring your challenges and questions to the table
- Tools, techniques and benchmarks for maximizing your effectiveness
- Convenient scheduling before the Annual Canadian Employee Benefits Conference and other International Foundation conferences
- Certificates suitable for framing to document your achievement, as well as a commemorative pin.
Join the ranks of over 2,000 trustees and senior-level policy makers who have participated in ATMS courses to gain strategies for good governance and to obtain the tools needed for successful implementation.
Do I have a time limit for completing an ATMS certificate?
You do not have a time limit for completing the program.
Can I self-study an ATMS course?
NO. An important part of the ATMS program is firsthand knowledge shared by leading consultants and practitioners in a classroom setting. Participants are provided with hands-on learning experiences that encompass exercises and a lively interchange of ideas as well as lecture. Instructors explain difficult concepts and give real-life examples. Participants build support networks both during and after classes. Required participation in the case study necessitates that individuals attend courses rather than self-study. In order to ensure that program goals are met, participants are required to be present during the entire program. Travel arrangements should be made accordingly.
Do I need to meet any prerequisites before I participate in the ATMS program?
YES. Due to the advanced nature of the curriculum, it is a requirement for attendees to have served a minimum of three years as a trustee or in a senior-level, policy-setting role. (This requirement is waived for individuals in the public sector.) Previous attendance at an educational program for new trustees such as the Foundations for Trustees programs (formerly Fundamentals for New Trustees) is strongly recommended.
Am I required to take ATMS courses in any order?
ATMS Part I and Part II courses can be taken in any order. While it is permissible to take either of the Part II courses before Part I, it is important to note that Part I is designed to lay the foundation for ATMS course work. In order to maximize your learning experience, it is highly recommended that ATMS Part I be taken before ATMS Part II. ATMS Part III and Part IV can be taken in any order; however, you must have completed an ATMS Certificate in Pension Fund Management OR an ATMS Certificate in Group Benefits Management before taking a Part III and/or Part IV course.
If I’ve already earned a Certificate in Pension Fund Management or a Certificate in Group Benefits Management, what do I need to do to complete both certificates?
ATMS Part I applies to both the ATMS Certificate in Pension Fund Management and the ATMS Certificate in Group Benefits Management. If you are planning to complete both of these certificates, you must complete Part I and each of the ATMS Part II courses (for a total of three courses). You do not need to take Part I twice.
Will I earn another certificate if I complete ATMS Part III Pensions and ATMS Part IV?
YES. Upon completion of both ATMS Part III Pensions and ATMS Part IV, you will earn another ATMS certificate to document your achievement—the ATMS Certificate in Pension Fund Leadership.
Does the ATMS program apply to those working with both multi-employer trust funds and public sector plans?
YES. The ATMS courses are intended for both multi-employer and public sector trustees. Issues in common as well as unique to each sector will be addressed.
Will the ATMS program meet the needs of trustees of U.S. plans?
NO. These programs are designed to examine the specific and unique aspects of plans in Canada. Those working with U.S. plans only would not benefit from these programs but should consider the array of programs the International Foundation does offer that specifically address the issues involved with U.S. multiemployer and public sector plans.
See www.ifebp.org for a complete listing of International Foundation programs.
How can I keep current after I complete the ATMS courses?
Add to your original award by attending exclusive ATMS course updates called the ATMS Quality Series. The Quality Series is a one-day course offered once a year, usually in conjunction with the Annual Canadian Employee Benefits Conference. The topic changes yearly. Those attending will earn a Seal of Quality to add to their ATMS certificate, documenting their ongoing education. You must have completed an ATMS certificate before taking a Quality Series course.